A major election rally was held in Purnia district's Kasba assembly constituency at Srinagar on November 5, 2025. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and JD(U) leader Manish Verma addressed the gathering to seek public support for LJP(R) candidate Nitesh Kumar Singh. The rally focused on contrasting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's governance over the past two decades with the alleged lawlessness during Lalu-Rabri rule before 2005. Both leaders criticized the opposition alliance and urged voters not to fall for rebel candidates active in the area. They emphasized that the NDA coalition, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Upendra Kushwaha, and Chirag Paswan, all share the same election symbol—helicopter—in Kasba constituency. The speeches highlighted development work carried out under Modi and Nitish Kumar's leadership, including the removal of Article 370 from Kashmir, allowing any Indian citizen to settle there. Manish Verma recalled his tenure as Purnia's District Magistrate in 2012, when significant infrastructure projects were undertaken, including six-lane roads, renovation of Gulab Bagh market, and construction of a medical college. He contrasted the past when gunfire echoed in Bihar with the present development-focused environment. The Kasba assembly seat has 13 candidates contesting, including representatives from Congress, AIMIM, Jan Suraj, BSP, and several independents. The rally aimed to consolidate NDA support ahead of voting.
Deputy CM Warns Against Return to Lawlessness
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary reminded the crowd about the jungle raj era during Lalu-Rabri government before 2005. He asked people whether they wanted Nitish Kumar's good governance or a return to the lantern age of chaos. Chaudhary highlighted development initiatives by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Bihar. He cautioned voters against rebel candidates trying to mislead them. The Deputy CM stressed that in Kasba constituency, all NDA partners—Modi, Nitish Kumar, Manjhi, Kushwaha, and Chirag Paswan—share one symbol: the helicopter. He cited the removal of Article 370 from Kashmir as a landmark achievement, noting that previously no Indian, whether Hindu or Muslim, could settle in Kashmir. Now any Indian from Kasba or Chennai can freely live there. Chaudhary attributed this transformation to Modi's charismatic leadership. He concluded by appealing to Kasba's electorate to vote for NDA candidate Nitesh Kumar Singh, emphasizing the importance of continuing the development trajectory rather than reverting to instability and disorder that characterized earlier governments.
Manish Verma Recalls His Purnia Tenure
JD(U) National General Secretary Manish Verma reminded the audience of his role as Purnia District Magistrate in 2012. He described the challenges of improving law and order while accelerating development in Purnia. During his tenure, a six-lane road was constructed—the first such project in Bihar outside Patna. Other significant achievements included renovation of Gulab Bagh market and construction of the medical college. Verma acknowledged that current LJP(R) candidate Nitesh Kumar Singh actively supported development work as a concerned citizen during that period. He contrasted Bihar of two decades ago, when gunshots were common, with today's focus on development and progress. Verma stated that people who once stayed locked indoors now move confidently outdoors. He credited Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi as architects of this development story. Verma noted that many critics of Nitish Kumar now praise him, recognizing his 20 years of exceptional work. He compared Nitish Kumar to ancient rulers Chandragupta Maurya and Emperor Ashoka, who spread Bihar's glory worldwide, positioning Nitish as the modern-era leader beautifying and developing Bihar.
Development Versus Past Chaos Theme Dominates
The central message of the rally contrasted the present development era with past violence and instability. Speakers emphasized how Bihar transformed from a state marked by gunfire and fear to one focused on infrastructure, education, and economic progress. Samrat Chaudhary highlighted that residents previously lived in fear but now enjoy security and opportunities. He stressed that development initiatives under Modi-Nitish leadership have changed Bihar's image nationally. The removal of restrictions in Kashmir was presented as an example of decisive governance that benefits all Indians. Manish Verma reinforced this narrative by recalling his firsthand experience managing Purnia when infrastructure was being upgraded systematically. Both leaders portrayed the opposition alliance as representing a return to disorder and backwardness. They argued that continuity of NDA governance ensures sustained progress. The speeches avoided specific policy promises but focused heavily on past achievements and warned against disrupting momentum. The rally aimed to consolidate support by creating nostalgia for recent improvements while generating anxiety about potential regression. This development-versus-chaos narrative has become a key campaign strategy for NDA in Bihar elections, appealing to voters' desire for stability and continued progress.
Thirteen Candidates Contest Kasba Seat
The Kasba assembly constituency has emerged as a crowded electoral battleground with 13 candidates filing nominations. The NDA has fielded Nitesh Kumar Singh from LJP(R) under the helicopter symbol. The opposition is led by Mohammad Irfan from Congress and Mohammad Ittehaq Alam from Jan Suraj party. AIMIM has nominated Mohammad Shahnawaz Alam, while BSP's candidate is Sanoj Chauhan. SDPI fielded Mohammad Mujammil Mazhari, and PPID nominated Kanhaiya Lal Mandal. Additionally, six independent candidates are contesting: Mohammad Afaq Alam, Pradeep Das, Rajendra Yadav, Subodh Rishi Dev, Hayat Asraf, and Bhanu Bharatiya. The large number of candidates, including several independents, has complicated vote calculations for major parties. NDA leaders specifically warned against rebel and independent candidates who might split votes. The presence of candidates from Muslim-focused parties like AIMIM and SDPI adds a communal dimension to the contest. Congress represents the main opposition challenge from the Mahagathbandhan alliance. The multiplicity of candidates reflects both political fragmentation and competing ambitions in a constituency considered significant for overall Bihar election outcomes. Voter choices will determine whether consolidation favors NDA or if opposition votes scatter among multiple candidates.
NDA Appeals for Unified Support
Both speakers at the Purnia rally emphasized unity among NDA partners and appealed for consolidated voter support. Samrat Chaudhary stressed that despite multiple alliance partners—BJP, JD(U), LJP(R), HAM, and RLSP—all share the common helicopter symbol in Kasba constituency. This symbolic unity was presented as representing coordinated governance and shared vision. The Deputy CM urged voters not to get confused by rebel candidates or opposition propaganda. He positioned the NDA as the only coalition capable of delivering continued development and security. Manish Verma reinforced this message by highlighting how Nitish Kumar commands respect across party lines. The JD(U) leader presented the Chief Minister as a unifying figure whose leadership transcends partisan politics. He suggested that even former critics now acknowledge Nitish Kumar's contributions. The rally speakers avoided attacking specific opposition candidates by name but broadly criticized the Mahagathbandhan as representing past failures. They positioned the upcoming election as a clear choice between progress under NDA and regression under opposition. The unified campaign approach, with senior leaders from different NDA constituents sharing the platform, was designed to project strength and cohesion ahead of voting day.
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